The trials & tribulations of Eden Hazard: the definitive timeline of the Lille superstar's Chelsea switch

The Belgian wizard snubbed both Manchester clubs in favour of the Champions League winners, and Goal.com gives you the lowdown on how he arrived at Stamford Bridge

ANALYSISBy Andrew Kennedy

On Monday evening, thousands of football fans up and down the country found themselves glued to their mobile phones and computer screens. Yet some enthralling pre-Euro 2012 action was not the source of such furore. No, it was the Twitter page of Lille starlet Eden Hazard that had us all so engrossed.

Flirting with the majority of Europe's elite clubs since the turn of the year, the Belgium international looked set to plump for a move to Manchester. However, a change of heart in the last few days following Chelsea's Champions League victory, saw the 21-year-old opt for a switch to Stamford Bridge.

With Hazard himself confirming he will ply his trade in west London next season, Goal.com takes a look at 11 months of the most fascinating, and at times the most tedious transfer saga in recent memory.

13.23 Lille director Frederic Paquet insists Hazard “will not be leaving this season”, and will remain at the club for “at least another year” after securing Champions League football, in turn prompting months of speculation over the Belgian’s next destination.

September 1 2011

09.48 Following Joe Cole’s loan move to the French club, reports suggest Liverpool have secured first refusal on the 21-year-old – something which Paquet is quick to dismiss, insisting “there is no link between Joe Cole and Eden.”

13.24 On-loan Liverpool man Cole hails the Belgian as a “special player with all the qualities of a great footballer”, stating he seen enough of the attacker in his short spell at Lille to be certain he will “become one of the best players in the world.”

"Chelsea has been following him the closest. The Spaniards have not manifested themselves yet, but I think they are playing it smart and will call when they know they have to - I'm talking about Real Madrid, but also about Barcelona.”

13.28 The 21-year-old also reveals a day later that both Inter and AC Milan made offers for him during the summer transfer window, with the Rossoneri proposing he “stayed at Lille and open serious talks at the end of the season.”

09.05 Chelsea’s interest in Hazard continues to grow after club scout Guy Hillion reveals the west Londoners have watched the attacker over 20 times, and that he has given the player a glowing report every time.

"[Spurs] is a rumour. It is a club that interests me, of course, because they have great players and a great coach. I have not signed anything yet - it is too early.”

I could become a Gunner

February 16 2012

09.49 However, just three days after showing his interest in a possible move to White Hart Lane, Hazard then admits he would be open to a move to north London rivals Arsenal, insisting the club’s French links and the presence of fellow Belgian Thomas Vermaelen at the Emirates make the Gunners an interesting prospect.

22.00 Hazard looks increasingly likely to move to the north-west after Manchester City Football Development Executive Patrick Vieira and United scout Martin Ferguson are both spotted at Stade Lille-Metropole to take in Lille’s Hazard-inspired 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Given his technical qualities, City would be the perfect destination for him - Mancini

April 30 2012

21.50 The Belgian reportedly attends the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, in which Mancini's men ran out 1-0 winners, as a guest of City, before then being shown properties in the area by club officials.

"To Manchester, as I have already said. The decision will be taken soon. I have made my choice 90 per cent. There are always small things that can change everything. You will soon know where my future lies.”

"My decision will depend on my position and how much playing time I will get. It will be Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea. Not everyone can say that they have a choice between three top clubs."

"I'm signing for the Champions League winner"

May 28 2012

11.51 Having already tweeted earlier in the day, “I made up mind. See you later”, a source confirms to Goal.com that Chelsea have won the battle to sign Hazard, with the player opting for a switch to Stamford Bridge.